Big History

'Big History' by Cynthia Stokes Brown takes readers on an exhilarating journey through time, exploring the interconnectedness of the universe, Earth, and human civilization. This ambitious narrative weaves together insights from cosmology, geology, biology, and history, illuminating how our collective story is woven into the fabric of the cosmos. Brown challenges conventional historical perspectives, urging us to consider our place in the grand tapestry of time. Packed with thought-provoking concepts, the book invites readers to ponder the origins of life and the future of humanity. It's a compelling read that will leave you questioning the scale and significance of our existence.

By Cynthia Stokes Brown

Published: 2012

""The universe is not just a backdrop for human history; it is woven into the very fabric of our existence, reminding us that we are all part of a grand, interconnected story.""

Big HistoryBook binding

Start Listening

0:000:00

What Readers Say About This Book

Extend the human story backward for the five thousand years of recorded history and it covers no more than a millionth of a lifetime of the Earth. Yet how do we humans take stock of the history of our planet, and our own place within it? A "vast historical mosaic" (Publishers Weekly) rendered engaging and accessible, Big History interweaves different disciplines of knowledge to offer an all-encompassing account of history on Earth. Since its publication, Cynthia Brown's "world history on a grand scale" (Kirkus) has been translated into nine languages and has helped propel the "big history" concept to viral status. This new edition of Brown's seminal work is more relevant today than ever before, as we increasingly must grapple with accelerating rates of change and, ultimately, the legacy we will bequeath to future generations. Here is a pathbreaking portrait of our world, from the birth of the universe from a single point the size of an atom to life on a twenty-first-century planet inhabited by 7 billion people.

Mike & Casey Show Logo

The Mike & Casey Show

Dive into captivating book discussions with our expert hosts

Key Points from Big History

About the Author

C

Cynthia Stokes Brown

Cynthia Stokes Brown is an esteemed author and educator, known for her engaging works that often explore themes of social justice and history. Among her notable books are 'Collaborative Learning: Underlying Processes and Effective Techniques' and 'Big History: From the Big Bang to the Present'. With a writing style that combines thorough research with accessible prose, Brown has made complex topics approachable for a broad audience, making her a respected voice in contemporary literature.

Book Details

Key information about the book.

Authors
Cynthia Stokes Brown
Published
January 2012
Publisher
The New Press
ISBN
1595588485
Language
English
Pages
306
Genres
Ancient HistoryHistoryWorld WarsCultural History

Purchase Options

Amazon logoBuy on Amazon
BookShop logoBuy via BookShop

Support local bookstores: BookShop gives a portion of each sale to independent bookshops!

Similar books you might like →

A Brief History of TimeBook binding

A Brief History of Time

Stephen Hawking

Guns, Germs, and SteelBook binding

Guns, Germs, and Steel

Jared Diamond

The Discovery of IndiaBook binding

The Discovery of India

Jawaharlal Nehru

Exporting DemocracyBook binding

Exporting Democracy

Abraham F. Lowenthal

Travels with Charley in Search of AmericaBook binding

Travels with Charley in Search of America

John Steinbeck

How To Win Friends and Influence PeopleBook binding

How To Win Friends and Influence People

Dale Carnegie

Magicians of the GodsBook binding

Magicians of the Gods

Graham Hancock

The History of the Decline & Fall of the Roman EmpireBook binding

The History of the Decline & Fall of the Roman Empire

Edward Gibbon

Topics in Advanced Scientific ComputationBook binding

Topics in Advanced Scientific Computation

Richard E. Crandall

Fingerprints of the GodsBook binding

Fingerprints of the Gods

Graham Hancock

The French Menu CookbookBook binding

The French Menu Cookbook

Richard Olney

1421: The Year China Discovered The WorldBook binding

1421: The Year China Discovered The World

Gavin Menzies

A Brief History of Everything (20th Anniversary Edition)Book binding

A Brief History of Everything (20th Anniversary Edition)

Ken Wilber

A Short History of Nearly EverythingBook binding

A Short History of Nearly Everything

Bill Bryson

1491Book binding

1491

Charles C. Mann

Hardcore HistoryBook binding

Hardcore History

Dan Carlin

A Little History of the WorldBook binding

A Little History of the World

E. H. Gombrich

A People's History of the United StatesBook binding

A People's History of the United States

Howard Zinn

History of the WorldBook binding

History of the World

John Morris Roberts

The New Penguin Atlas of Ancient HistoryBook binding

The New Penguin Atlas of Ancient History

Colin McEvedy

A History of the World in 100 ObjectsBook binding

A History of the World in 100 Objects

Neil MacGregor

The Rise of the WestBook binding

The Rise of the West

William H. McNeill

The Living GitaBook binding

The Living Gita

Swami Satchidananda

His Porn, Her PainBook binding

His Porn, Her Pain

Marty Klein

The History of the Peloponnesian WarBook binding

The History of the Peloponnesian War

Thucydides

The Line Becomes a RiverBook binding

The Line Becomes a River

Francisco Cantú

The Doctrine of Deification in the Greek Patristic TraditionBook binding

The Doctrine of Deification in the Greek Patristic Tradition

Norman Russell

The Seven Spiritual Laws of SuccessBook binding

The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success

Deepak Chopra

A Brief History of Seven KillingsBook binding

A Brief History of Seven Killings

Marlon James

At HomeBook binding

At Home

Bill Bryson

Take your reading experience to the next level

Download our mobile app to enjoy your favorite books on the go. Get access to exclusive features, offline listening, and personalized recommendations.

Download on the App Store

Book Collections you might like →

Elon Musk's Book Recommendations

Elon Musk's Book Recommendations

Elon Musk is an influential entrepreneur and innovator known for founding and leading several groundbreaking companies, including Tesla, SpaceX, Neuralink, and The Boring Company. He has played a pivotal role in advancing electric vehicles, space exploration, and renewable energy. Musk's vision extends to colonizing Mars and reducing the risk of human extinction through space travel. In addition to his technological contributions, he has co-authored the book "Spacex: Making Commercial Spaceflight a Reality," providing insights into his ambitious projects and vision for the future. Musk's relentless pursuit of innovation continues to shape the trajectory of multiple industries.

View Collection
James Clear's Book Recommendations

James Clear's Book Recommendations

James Clear is the author of the bestselling book Atomic Habits, which focuses on the power of small habits and incremental improvements to achieve significant personal and professional growth. Clear’s writing blends insights from psychology, neuroscience, and productivity to provide practical strategies for building better habits. His work has helped millions of people create positive changes in their lives by focusing on the process rather than the outcome. James’s clear, actionable advice has made him a sought-after speaker and thought leader in the field of personal development.

View Collection
Mark Manson's Book Recommendations

Mark Manson's Book Recommendations

Mark Manson is a best-selling author and personal development expert known for his candid and no-nonsense approach to self-help. His most notable work, "The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck," has sold millions of copies worldwide and has been translated into numerous languages, resonating with readers for its practical advice and irreverent tone. Manson followed up with another successful book, "Everything Is F*cked: A Book About Hope," which further cemented his reputation as a thought leader in modern existentialism. In addition to his books, he runs a popular blog that delves into topics ranging from happiness to personal growth. His work has not only transformed the self-help genre but also influenced a global audience seeking authentic and actionable guidance.

View Collection
Lena Dunham's Book Recommendations

Lena Dunham's Book Recommendations

Lena Dunham is an acclaimed writer, director, and actress, best known for creating and starring in the HBO series "Girls," which garnered widespread critical acclaim and several awards, including two Golden Globes. In literature, she is the author of the bestselling memoir "Not That Kind of Girl: A Young Woman Tells You What She's 'Learned'," which offers candid insights into her life and experiences. Dunham has also contributed essays to various prominent publications, showcasing her distinctive voice and sharp wit. Her work often explores themes of feminism, identity, and the complexities of modern womanhood. Beyond her creative endeavors, Dunham is a vocal advocate for mental health awareness and women’s rights.

View Collection
Bridget Phetasy's Book Recommendations

Bridget Phetasy's Book Recommendations

Bridget Phetasy is a multi-talented writer, comedian, and podcaster known for her sharp wit and insightful commentary on contemporary culture and politics. She gained prominence through her work with Playboy, where her essays and columns attracted a wide readership. Bridget is the host of the popular podcast "Walk-Ins Welcome," where she engages in deep, humorous conversations with a variety of guests. Her candid and often provocative takes on societal issues have garnered her a loyal following on social media. Additionally, she created the satirical YouTube series "Dumpster Fire," where she humorously dissects current events.

View Collection
Jamie Dimon's Book Recommendations

Jamie Dimon's Book Recommendations

Jamie Dimon is an American business executive, best known as the Chairman and CEO of JPMorgan Chase, one of the largest and most influential financial institutions in the world. Dimon has led JPMorgan through multiple economic crises, including the 2008 financial crash, and has consistently been recognized for his leadership in the banking industry. Under his tenure, JPMorgan has grown into a global financial powerhouse, focusing on innovation and sustainability. Dimon is also an advocate for corporate responsibility and frequently speaks on economic and regulatory issues. His leadership style and strategic insights have earned him widespread respect in the business world.

View Collection
Charlie Munger's Book Recommendations

Charlie Munger's Book Recommendations

Charlie Munger is an American investor, businessman, and philanthropist, best known as the vice chairman of Berkshire Hathaway, where he partners with Warren Buffett. Renowned for his insights on investment strategies and mental models, Munger has significantly influenced the world of finance. His notable literary contributions include "Poor Charlie's Almanack," a compilation of his speeches and writings that distill his wisdom on decision-making and business principles. Munger's work emphasizes the importance of multidisciplinary thinking and continuous learning. Beyond his financial acumen, he is celebrated for his charitable efforts, particularly in education and healthcare.

View Collection
James Mattis's Book Recommendations

James Mattis's Book Recommendations

James Mattis is a retired United States Marine Corps general and former Secretary of Defense, serving under President Donald Trump from 2017 to 2019. Mattis is known for his military leadership during the Iraq War and his command of U.S. Central Command, where he oversaw operations in the Middle East. He is widely respected for his intellectual rigor, strategic thinking, and emphasis on military ethics. After retiring from the military, Mattis has written books, including Call Sign Chaos, reflecting on his leadership experiences. His career has made him a highly regarded figure in both military and civilian leadership circles.

View Collection
Morgan Housel's Book Recommendations

Morgan Housel's Book Recommendations

Morgan Housel is a financial writer and partner at The Collaborative Fund, best known for his book The Psychology of Money. His work explores the behavioral side of finance, emphasizing how emotions, history, and decision-making impact wealth-building. Housel’s writing is widely praised for being accessible, insightful, and engaging, making complex financial topics easier to understand. He contributes regularly to financial publications and speaks at conferences on the power of long-term thinking in finance. His book has become a modern classic in the personal finance genre.

View Collection
Larry Ellison's Book Recommendations

Larry Ellison's Book Recommendations

Larry Ellison is an American entrepreneur and co-founder of Oracle Corporation, a leading enterprise software company. Notably, Ellison's contributions to the technology industry have been profound, with Oracle's database software becoming a cornerstone for businesses worldwide. Although his primary fame stems from his business ventures, Ellison has also authored and co-authored works on technology and business strategy, sharing insights from his extensive career. His visionary leadership has not only revolutionized enterprise software but also inspired literature on innovation and corporate management. Ellison's achievements are a testament to the transformative power of technological advancement in modern business practices.

View Collection
Daniel Ek's Book Recommendations

Daniel Ek's Book Recommendations

Daniel Ek is a Swedish entrepreneur and co-founder of Spotify, the world’s leading music streaming platform. Ek revolutionized the music industry by offering a legal, user-friendly alternative to piracy, and Spotify has since become the dominant player in the streaming market. Under his leadership, Spotify has expanded globally, offering access to millions of songs and podcasts while reshaping how artists distribute their work. Ek is known for his forward-thinking approach to technology and his commitment to evolving Spotify’s platform for both users and creators. He continues to lead Spotify as it explores new innovations in audio entertainment.

View Collection
Jesse Williams's Book Recommendations

Jesse Williams's Book Recommendations

Jesse Williams is a multifaceted talent best known for his work as an actor, director, and activist, but he has also made significant contributions to literature through his thought-provoking essays and social commentary. Williams has used his platform to address issues of race, identity, and social justice, often drawing from his own experiences to provide a powerful voice in contemporary discourse. His writing has appeared in various esteemed publications, capturing the complexities of modern society and advocating for systemic change. In addition to his literary efforts, Williams co-founded the production company farWord Inc., which aims to amplify underrepresented voices. His commitment to both the arts and activism continues to inspire a diverse audience, making him a prominent figure in multiple arenas of public life.

View Collection
Bill Gates's Book Recommendations

Bill Gates's Book Recommendations

Bill Gates, co-founder of Microsoft Corporation, is a pioneering figure in the tech industry, having played a key role in the personal computer revolution. His work at Microsoft, particularly the development of Windows, transformed software and computing globally. Beyond his technology contributions, Gates is also a prolific author, with notable works such as "The Road Ahead" and "Business @ the Speed of Thought," which offer insights into the future of technology and business. Additionally, his philanthropic efforts through the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation have had a profound impact on global health, education, and poverty. Gates continues to influence both technology and literature with his forward-thinking perspectives and innovative ideas.

View Collection
Bret Victor's Book Recommendations

Bret Victor's Book Recommendations

Bret Victor is a renowned American interface designer and computer scientist celebrated for his innovative contributions to interactive design and human-computer interaction. He is best known for creating dynamic, explorable explanations, which have significantly influenced the way educational content is presented and understood. Victor's seminal work, "Inventing on Principle," advocates for the integration of immediate feedback in creative processes, inspiring a new wave of interactive programming environments. As a former member of the Apple Human Interface team, he played a pivotal role in shaping modern user interfaces. Through his organization, Dynamicland, Victor continues to explore and expand the boundaries of immersive, collaborative computing environments.

View Collection
Patrick Arnold's Book Recommendations

Patrick Arnold's Book Recommendations

Patrick Arnold is a prolific American chemist and author widely recognized for his groundbreaking work in the field of nutritional supplements and performance-enhancing substances. He is often hailed as the "father of prohormones" for his innovative synthesis of Androstenedione, a compound that gained widespread attention in the athletic community. Beyond his scientific contributions, Arnold has authored numerous articles and papers that delve into the complexities of sports nutrition and chemistry. His insights have been instrumental in advancing the understanding of ergogenic aids and their effects. Arnold's work continues to influence both the scientific community and the broader public's approach to fitness and health.

View Collection
David Sacks's Book Recommendations

David Sacks's Book Recommendations

David Sacks is an accomplished author known for his engaging works on language and ancient history. He gained significant recognition with his book "Letter Perfect: The Marvelous History of Our Alphabet From A to Z," which explores the fascinating origins and development of the alphabet. Sacks is also celebrated for "Language Visible: Unraveling the Mystery of the Alphabet from A to Z," a comprehensive and accessible examination of linguistic evolution. His meticulous research and ability to present complex subjects in an engaging manner have earned him a respected place in the field of popular linguistics and historical literature. Beyond writing, Sacks contributes to various publications and engages in public speaking, enriching the public's understanding of language and its history.

View Collection
Michael Burry's Book Recommendations

Michael Burry's Book Recommendations

Michael Burry is an American investor, hedge fund manager, and physician who gained widespread recognition for his prescient prediction of the subprime mortgage crisis, which he detailed in his now-famous bet against the housing market. This bold move was chronicled in Michael Lewis's bestselling book "The Big Short," and later adapted into an Oscar-winning film of the same name. Burry founded the hedge fund Scion Capital, which he ran from 2000 to 2008, generating substantial profits for his investors. Beyond his investment acumen, Burry is known for his deep analytical approach and his contributions to financial literature through various articles and public commentary. His work continues to influence and inspire both financial professionals and enthusiasts.

View Collection

"The universe is not just a backdrop for human history; it is woven into the very fabric of our existence, reminding us that we are all part of a grand, interconnected story."

Big History

By Cynthia Stokes Brown

Frequently Asked Questions